DWP Announces Overhaul of Personal Independence Payments (PIP) System

DWP Announces Overhaul of Personal Independence Payments (PIP)

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced plans to overhaul the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) system, a disability benefit claimed by over three million people in the UK. The changes are part of the government's Health Transformation Programme, which aims to simplify the application process and introduce a new single health assessment service for all benefits requiring a functional health assessment.

Transforming the PIP service: This includes changes to eligibility, decisions, and payments.

This service will be available for all benefits that require a functional health assessment, with a national rollout planned for 2029.

The government has committed to matching the welfare savings planned by the previous Conservative administration.

However, the government has said it will re-consult on the plans after the high court found that the previous administration's consultation was unlawful. Reforms to the work capability assessment are understood to remain central to the overhaul, with changes to PIP also widely expected. It's likely the changes will make it more difficult for people to qualify for certain disability benefits, especially for reasons related to mental health.

The DWP's plans have been met with mixed reactions. Labour has said its coming reforms are necessary to balance government spending, but several leading charities have warned that the new consultation for the changes "must not be a sham."

The DWP is expected to release its Health and Disability green paper in Spring 2024, which will reveal further details about the planned changes.